Veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig's season has come to an abrupt end following a torn rotator cuff sustained during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice. The injury is a significant blow to both Herbig and the Steelers, leading to his placement on season-ending injured reserve. The 26-year-old six-year veteran was undergoing a transition to the center position, adding another layer of complexity to his untimely setback.
Herbig's professional career includes 61 regular-season games with 30 starts, showcasing experience that Pittsburgh will sorely miss. As a result of Herbig's injury, rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is set to take on a major role as the starting center. Frazier first demonstrated his potential during a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills, earning him this critical opportunity to anchor the offensive line.
Injury Woes Continue
Adding to the Steelers' lineup challenges, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also sustained an injury in Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans. Fautanu's injury will keep him sidelined for several weeks, resulting in further adjustments for an already struggling offensive line.
The offensive line's performance has been under scrutiny, particularly due to their difficulties in providing adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields during their first two preseason games. With the regular season fast approaching, the Steelers' coaching staff is closely monitoring the health and effectiveness of their go-to linemen.
A Fresh Lineup
The likely starting five will feature Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle once he returns from injury, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. This lineup marks a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, striving to establish cohesion and strength.
Meanwhile, Dan Moore Jr. remains in the thick of competition, vying to retain his position in the starting lineup. His battle for a starting spot underscores the heightened stakes and intense preparation within the Steelers camp as the team strives to overcome its early setbacks.
Eyes on Frazier
At the center of attention is Zach Frazier, whose performance is under the microscope as he steps into Herbig's shoes. Frazier's poise and confidence have not gone unnoticed, especially by teammates. "Anytime you're playing with a rookie center, you're playing with younger players, it's the eye contact in the huddle that you see. Does a guy blink or not? Is he fearful? And he has none of that," said Russell Wilson, commending Frazier's nerves of steel.
This endorsement from a veteran quarterback highlights the confidence the team has in Frazier's abilities. However, the transition from promising rookie to dependable starter comes with its fair share of challenges and learning curves. The young center now carries the weight of expectations along with the responsibility of bolstering an offensive line in need of stability.
The Steelers' focus remains on molding this revamped lineup into a cohesive unit capable of providing the protection and support their quarterbacks require. The outcome of their preseason trials has illuminated areas for improvement, which the coaching staff is actively addressing. As the regular season looms, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh’s offensive line to gauge their progress and readiness.